Move

Fifteen years into their recording career Third Day hasn’t lost touch with their Deep Southern roots or their unshakable faith. The group serves up classic-style Southern rock throughout these tracks, with hints of acoustic folk and country/pop for seasoning. The gnarly, propulsive boogie of “Make Your Move” and the slide-driven bluesiness of “Don’t Give Up Hope” rank among the group’s most potent works. Mac Powell’s commanding baritone — one of the most compelling voices in rock, Christian or otherwise — lends gravitas to tunes like “Surrender” (a backwoods altar-call) and “Gone” (an anthem for spiritual pilgrims). When not dishing out crunchy guitar riffs and thick, molten basslines, Third Day provides some sweeter moments with “Sound of Your Voice” and the banjo-accented “I’ll Be Your Miracle.” “Lift Up Your Face” (featuring the legendary Five Blind Boys of Alabama) and “Follow Me There” are fiery gospel-rock fusions with irresistible choruses. The message throughout Move is one of healing and salvation, delivered with a raw, palpable urgency.